Historic Simple Elegance, BEACH, & OLYMPIC NT PK!!

Description from the owner

$300 nt OFF PEAK RATES in MAY/JUNE!! 2 nt min. PLEASE VIEW CALENDAR. HISTORIC SIMPLE ELEGANCE, WATERFALLS, SHELL & SEAFOOD LADEN BEACH, & WILDLIFE.

RARE, HISTORIC WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE, PART OF THE D.W. WILDLIFE ESTUARY ON THE WIDEST PORTION OF HOOD CANAL, NORTH AMERICA'S LONGEST FJORD. Divine seafood from over 1,000 ft of private shell laden beach

Historic simple elegance with unobstructed, EVOLVING PANORAMIC VIEWS from nearly every room.

World renowned Olympic National Park/Forest with enticing waterfalls, some less than 5 minutes, FOREVER views of Seattle/Puget Sound/Mt Rainier, plus superb hiking, and Dosewallips State... Park in close proximity.

High speed wireless internet. Few vacation rentals in the area offer this amenity.

FOR CONSIDERABLE TIME SAVINGS, PLEASE FULLY REVIEW RATE SECTION & AVAILABILITY CALENDAR.

Located off the picturesque Pacific Hwy 101 SCENIC BYWAY on HOOD CANAL, and near world renowned OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK (closest side to Seattle). You can enjoy eco-tourism at its finest! Historic simple elegance on over 1,000 feet of Hood Canal waterfront, rumored to be the closest to the water in all of Jefferson county, AND on the largest expanse of Hood Canal. Enjoy divine shellfish from your shell laden beach for a cherished vacation experience!

"THE HISTORIC BALCH RETREAT on HOOD CANAL" on the Olympic Peninsula is a historic Nantucket charmer, and was constructed by T.B. Balch in 1920 - one of the original founders of Brinnon. He strategically picked the finest waterfront for his personal residence where the Dosewallips Estuary meets Hood Canal, one of the widest portions of the Canal - a natural fjord and MAJOR WILDLIFE DRAW! Watch and listen to the frolicing sea lions, pups, and otters on the estuary, which is teeming with “THE BRINNON ELK”, majestic bald eagles, brilliant, colorful bird varieties, occasional whales, and many other species that should keep you well entertained. Also unique to The Historic Balch Retreat is the Trident Navy sub's that cruise the Estuary "shelf" in the middle of Hood Canal. All in plain view, right in front of The Retreat, along with constantly changing views due to the tides. If you wish to direct your viewing indoors, there is a large flat screen in the media room, and 32 inch in the master.

FANTASTIC HIKES, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, SPECTACULAR KAYAK/BOATING and so much more - Come experience some of the most breathtakingly scenic hikes you can imagine, overlooking most of the entire Puget Sound, Cascades, and Olympics, on nearby day hikes. Venture into world renowned Olympic National Park with numerous soul southing waterfalls. Kayak, canoe, boat, fish or crab, right in front of The Retreat. Kayakers can rent from kayaks a mere one minute away at Pleasant Harbor Marina, and paddle right to The Retreat. For boaters, Pleasant Harbor Marina is close for that are coming in by boat or need to launch. Go wine tasting and explore nearby quaint seaports, or soak in the soothing relaxation of your romantic Hood Canal paradise. The list is endless.

ROMANCE ABOUNDS - PugetSoundRomance dot com is our web address for a reason. Indulge with a romantic toasty fire (indoors or out) with panoramic views, view jetted spa (the moonlight on the water is truly inspiring), and expansive master suite w/ king pillow top bed. Also enjoy the cushioned leather DOUBLE rocking chair for 2 in front of a cozy, warm fire (see photos). Celebrate each other with so many appealing things to do, or revel in total relaxation.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL - Come experience some of the sweetest, plumpest, and exceptionally large oysters from our acres of private tidelands along with clams and mussels.The perfection of our shellfish is due to the minerals coming out of the Dosewallips river. Shellfish thrive on it! For those that love to cook, their is a large 1920 chef's style kitchen with original kitchen sink and built in drainboard. Well appointed kitchen offers mostly period design small appliances and all the modern amenities, complete with spice rack and fresh mint from your garden (summer and fall)!! There's even an outdoor crab boiler and gas grill.

PREFER NOT TO COOK? Esquire magazine’s #2 choice for “Best Bar in America” is just a two minute walk at the Geoduck Restaurant and Tavern. Additionally, The Half Way House Restaurant a couple of minutes away, is famous for superb home cooking and homemade pies. For pizza lovers, Pleasant Harbor Marina 1 min away, offers renowned pizza and sandwich delicacies.

SENIORS AND THOSE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY. Our retreat is very user friendly. Most rooms are on the main level including the covered balcony, with zero gravity recliners, patio heater, and glider. Stay toasty warm and dry, even in winter while watching the wildlife from the balcony, or talk to those on the beach, since you'll be so close to the water (no building restrictions in 1920).

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR THANKS FOR REVIEWING RATES AND UP TO DATE AVAILABILITY CALENDAR when inquiring.Read more

Additional Location Information

Shell laden Hood Canal waterfront, with Mt Rainier view on 29 acres of former oyster farm, and EXCEPTIONAL kayaking and crabbing (in season). Located off the picturesque Pacific Hwy 101 Scenic Byway, in Brinnon, WA on the east side of Olympic Nat'l Park/Forest (closest side to Seattle), on the widest expanse of Hood Canal, The Historic Balch Retreat even borders the Dosewallips Wildlife Estuary. 3 min walk to Dosewallips State Park, and Esquire magazines #2 Bar in America "The Geoduck" Restaurant!! Please view Brinnon, WA on Mapquest.com for location, as TripAdvisor/Flipkey map is "map challenged".

Location Type Mountain, Rural, Waterfront

Additional notes from owner

SPRING & SHOULDER SEASON RATES ABOVE BASED ON 1 BEDROOM (legendary master suite). ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS are $50 each per night, up to 4 bedrooms. Limit 2 guests per bedroom.
FALL, AND WINTER SEASON RATES BASED ON 2 BEDROOMS. ADD'L BEDROOMS $50 each per night, up to 4 bedrooms. Limit 2 guests per bedroom.
PEAK SUMMER SEASON RATES BASED ON 2 BEDROOMS. ADD'L BEDROOMS are $75 each per night, up to 4 bedrooms. Limit 2 guests per bedroom.

FULL PRIVATE USE OF PROPERTY for up to 8 guests. Pricing for more than 8 guests below.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND (SHRIMPFEST!!): See PEAK Rates. 3 night min.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND (Aug 28-Sept 2): 5 night min.
HOLIDAY WEEKENDS and SPRING BREAK: 3 night min.

CLEANING FEE: $150 (1-2 bdrms). $175 (3-4 bdrms). $25 pet sterilization.
PET FEE: Sliding scale.
REFUNDABLE DAMAGE DEPOSIT: Please inquire
EXTRA GUESTS BEYOND 8...$95 (fall, winter, spring), $150 (summer) per person. COVERS ENTIRE STAY. Inquire for maximum guest limits.
PAYMENT: Online, private, secure, encrypted payment link. TERMS: 90 DAYS OR MORE BEFORE ARRIVAL: 50% down. Balance due at 90 days. LESS THAN 90 DAYS: Full payment due.

LESS THAN REQUIRED MINIMUM NIGHTS (Peak Season ONLY): 2 night min. $695 night. Rate does not apply to 'Calendar Gaps' below.

CALENDAR GAPS: Reservations in PEAK SUMMER or SHOULDER SEASON that are less than minimum night requirement is allowed, IF filling entire opening.

Until confirmed, rates and fees are subject to change without notice.

Photos by WiseImages

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• Jennifer
  Brier

  Fabulous 40th Birthday Getaway!

  Left on 05/16/2013 for a stay in May 2013
  
  

  What a remarkable home! Our family needed a place for 7 for my husband's 40th birthday celebration. We stayed for 5 days and were sad to leave! The owner, Tori, is gracious and superior in customer service. The home is immaculately clean and cozy. The master bedroom is a dream with an unbelievable view from the jetted tub. We especially enjoyed the fire pit for making s'mores. We grilled hand picked oysters and made gourmet meals in the well appointed kitchen. My kids kept a log of all the wildlife they found; eagles, otters, seals, shellfish and sea stars! We took advantage of some of Tori's sightseeing suggestions and made to the nearby waterfall. All in all a lovely week and perfect way to celebrate! Thank you, Tori for your gracious home.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families

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• My children have paws
  Sumner

  A vacation that truly lifted my spirits and re-energized my soul

  Left on 02/05/2013 for a stay in January 2013
  
  

  Tori the owner was absolutely amazing. I have been struggling with some heavy life changing stuff and I desperatly needed a little escape to bring myself back to life per say. I talked to Tori and she helped me to understand that this location would meet my goals.
  
  When I arrived and walked in the door I almost cried because the house was so beautiful and cozy. It was warm and smelled really nice. The entire house was very clean and had everything you could want or need while on vacation. Everything was absolutely fabulous and I left feeling restored.
  
  This house is great for any type of guest...family, a couple, or even if you are a single person that just needs a little comfort and quiet to recharge your batteries.
  
  I have vacationed by myself a few times and this was by far the best trip I have had in a while. I will definitely be back to stay again!
  
  Thank you again Tori!!!

  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

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  Response from Tori Cole - 02/06/2013

  

  Tori Cole

  Owner

  Owning The Historic Balch Retreat on Hood Canal, has turned out to be such a rewarding experience, especially when it truly helps our guests. You make a good point that it is an excellent fit whether a single or large family. I'm more than pleased to hear it provided a soul soothing experience. We honestly have some of the lovliest guests. Thank you for sharing! Tori

• LT
  Seattle

  Wonderful, peaceful experience.

  Left on 01/23/2013 for a stay in January 2013
  
  

  We thoroughly enjoyed a 3-night stay here. It was easy to get to from seattle (1.5 hours if you time it right with the ferries). The house itself has gorgeous historical details, but is outfitted with all modern, upscale appliances. Highlights in the house included a wood burning oven in the living room, where we sat and enjoyed multiple bald eagle sightings. Heated outdoor patio where you could observe the dramatic tidal changes in the canal. Jacuzzi with a 180 degree view of water, including Mount Rainier in the distance at sunset! The kitchen was all-modern, with every appliance a foodie could want to prepare a meal. Tori's suggestions for activities were all great ones. We also visited a nearby waterfall (5 minute drive from the house) which the neighbors told us about -- quite dramatic. Drive North on 101 until you see an old green apartment building/hotel on your left, and turn left on that road. Drive approximately 5 minutes until you see a concrete structure on your right. Park, and walk 0.2 mi for a gorgeous waterfall sighting.

  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Luxury, Families

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• Susan
  Los Angeles

  Treat yourself and your family to the ideal vacation.

  Left on 11/28/2012 for a stay in August 2012
  
  

  We loved this house from top to bottom. The views were amazing and the house was beautiful and beautifully maintained. The location is magical at the edge of a wild life preserve. Our first morning we sat out on the deck and watched the eagles doing aerial acrobatics overhead. One zoomed in so close I thought it would hit us while it chased another in hot pursuit. It was breathtaking.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Luxury, Families

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  Response from Tori Cole - 11/29/2012

  

  Tori Cole

  Owner

  A wildlife estuary directly in front of The Historic Balch Retreat can produce quite a show at times! Seeing wildlife in the wild, enjoying their freedom is always a treat. We're always pleased when guests love their vacation. Glad yours was 5 star!

• Holly W
  Boling

  Amazing views, comfortable place for the entire family

  Left on 08/08/2012 for a stay in July 2012
  
  

  Hi Tori,
  
  To sum up how we felt about our stay...We didn't want to leave! The house was amazing. The views were beautiful. The flowerbeds were lovely. The home was beautifully designed. The fire pit was a nice touch, but we didn't use it. You had everything we needed to be comfortable, even a hairdryer.
  
  My fifteen-year old son took the lower level room. I swear it was a chore to get him to leave the house, actually the water. He didn't even want to come inside to eat! He spent most of his time down at the water messing around. My father-in-law and mother-in-law took the main floor bedroom and told me they were quite comfortable. My father-in-law spent a lot of time on the back deck. He had hip replacement surgery a few years back and two surgeries in the middle of June so he didn't venture down to the water but once to hang out with my son. He loved the house also. My husband and I stayed in the master suite. My husband and I were impressed by the beautiful views from the top floor. The skylights were neat. We didn't use the whirlpool tub but my father-in-law did. Needless to say he loved it. The house was extremely comfortable. We each had a separate area but yet we were very close, if that makes sense.
  
  Thank you for sharing your home with us.
  
  The Wittig family
  Holly, Brad and Tyler
  Leonard and Lil
  
  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Families

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  Response from Tori Cole - 08/09/2012

  

  Tori Cole

  Owner

  This young lady was sweet enough to write to me after their departure. She then posted what she had told me by email in the form of a review.
  We truly have outstanding guests!! Thank you for being so thoughtful.

• Kim P
  Lynnwood, WA

  Tranquil and Unexpected

  Left on 07/06/2012 for a stay in July 2012
  
  

  We were looking forward to some deck time getting caught up on reading and getting away from work. What we didn't expect to find was the hourly changes to the landscape below the deck. Tide going out reveals multiple mini islands and a playground for oysters and kayakers. Tide coming in is a playground for seals and boaters laying out their crab pots.
  It was surprising quiet the entire week we were there. We enjoying many local hikes/walks in the forest and to see some amazing waterfalls. The evening tub overlooking the water and the night sky was topped only by sitting around the bonfire watching the moon rise.
  To top it off, their are 4 eagles who soar in front of the house - so close and always unexpected we missed them with our video camera each time.
  The house is well kept and has plenty of room and everything you could need.

  

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Romantic, Families

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  Response from Tori Cole - 07/10/2012

  

  Tori Cole

  Owner

  Thank you for your kind words. It's nice to see you discovered the magic we have found in this historic home in nature's wonderland.

• Drew
  Nashville

  Lovely stay!

  Left on 07/01/2012 for a stay in June 2012
  
  

  We stayed at the retreat for five nights in June. It's great, great views of Hood Canal, easy to get oysters and clams right out of the water and close to great hiking and the Olympic national park! Property is very well kept -- would highly recommend!

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families, Rugged

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  Response from Tori Cole - 07/10/2012

  

  Tori Cole

  Owner

  An enjoyable experience is what we strive for. We certainly hope to hear from you again in the future.

• Lari
  The Dalles, OR

  Wonderful!

  Left on 06/12/2012 for a stay in May 2012
  
  

  Beautiful place inside and out. Master bedroom has incredible view with a jetted tub. Cozy and comfortable place to relax and enjoy. Great views of the bay, with access to the bay for claming and picking up oysters. Fire pit outside for roasting smores or just having a fire. My family and I had a wonderful time and you will too. Also pet friendly! Thanks again for letting us stay in your Beautiful home.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Romantic, Families

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  Response from Tori Cole - 07/10/2012

  

  Tori Cole

  Owner

  We love being able to offer a unique place where families can have a heartwarming experience. Please accept our thanks for such a thoughtful review.